How to stop a wildfire

Canadian municipalities will join a national effort on May 5 to reduce wildfire risk to local homes and environments in anticipation of this year’s wildfire season.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is an annual, national program launched by FireSmart Canada, in collaboration with The Co-operators, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction.

A total of $47,000 was awarded to 94 successful community applicants to help host Wildfire Community Preparedness Day events. Communities can use their award from May through September to adopt “FireSmart” activities, including proper maintenance and clearing of dead or combustible vegetation, wildfire-resilient landscaping, and using fire-resistant roofing materials.

The initiative has gained support from the provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland, and the Northwest Territories.

The Co-operators provided $15,000 in funding and has partnered with the NFPA and FireSmart Canada to drive wildfire resiliency efforts and advocacy across Canada.

“As wildfire risk continues to increase across the country, Canadians and our communities are increasingly bearing the financial, social and emotional consequences of these events,” says Rob Wesseling, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “To provide long-term solutions that protect what matters most, we need a coordinated adaptation effort that includes governments, insurers and all Canadians to design and maintain resilient communities.”

For a list of all successful Canadian community applicants, and for more information on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, visit:

http://www.firesmartcanada.ca/firesmart-communities/congratulations-to-our-successful-wildfire-community-preparedness-day-2018-award-recipients/

David Gambrill